Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni and coli are collectively regarded as the most prevalent cause of bacterial foodborne illness
worldwide. An emerging species, Campylobacter ureolyticus has recently been detected in patients with gastroenteritis, however, the source
of this organism has, until now, remained unclear. Herein, we describe the molecular-based
detection of this pathogen in bovine faeces (1/20) and unpasteurized milk (6/47) but
not in poultry (chicken wings and caeca). This is, to the best of our knowledge, the
first report of the presence of this potential gastrointestinal pathogen in an animal
source, possibly suggesting a route for its transmission to humans.